“Sleepy Hollow,”[1] a visually stunning update on Washington Irving’s classic pitting a hunky Ichabod Crane against a Headless Horseman in 2014, premieres Monday, Sept. 16, on Fox. The mystery-drama with paranormal flourishes is the latest wild ride from Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, co-creators of “Fringe.”

Ichabod Crane is “a wonderful lens through which to view our country,” creator-producer Orci told critics[2]. Native American history, emancipation, and the reach of government will all be fair game.

Tom Mison[3] (“Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”) is the best-looking Ichabod ever, awaking from 1790 to find contemporary society quite changed. For starters, women of color are now exercising authority: the town’s sheriff is an African-American woman (Nicole Beharie). The two will make fun sparring partners.

Cultural commentary mixed with the mystery, along with lavish production values, gives Irving’s tale a clever twist. The hour is trying to cover a lot of bases, but it may find its focus.

Article printed from Ostrow Off The Record: http://blogs.denverpost.com/ostrow